"The CAF renews confidence in the performance of Moroccans."

The official website of the Confederation of African Football reported on the anticipated match between the Moroccan national team and their Brazilian counterpart, as part of the first round of the 2026 World Cup, confirming that the "Atlas Lions" will enter the match carrying their own ambitions and the hopes of an entire continent, in one of the most exciting matches of the group stage.

The "CAF" report added that the Moroccan national team returns to the global stage after four years from their historic achievement in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, when they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, noting that the Atlas Lions seek to prove that this achievement was not just a fleeting moment, but the beginning of a new era for African football.

The same source pointed out that the match, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in the New York area, brings together the best African team from the last World Cup and the most successful team in history in terms of World Cup titles, considering that the encounter will be an early test of Morocco's ability to compete in a tournament featuring a record number of participating African teams.

The report highlighted that the Moroccan national team enters the American finals with high morale, following strong preparations leading up to the tournament, and that coach Mohamed Wahbi believes in his players' physical and mental readiness to face one of the giants of world football.

The website quoted the coach as saying that the atmosphere within the group is very positive, despite the absences caused by injuries, particularly the absence of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd, affirming that the team trusts in its capabilities and the principles that have been worked on during the past period.

The report added that the Moroccan national team held its last training session at Pingry School in New Jersey, where the technical staff focused on tactical organization, high pressing, and building attacks from the back, with the integration of players who were called up to compensate for the absences.

"CAF" emphasized that the Moroccan coach confirmed his commitment to the team's identity, clarifying that facing Brazil will not push the team to change its style, and that the "Atlas Lions" will continue to rely on the principles that have led them to achieve remarkable results in recent years.

The report further stated that captain Achraf Hakimi will be one of the key players relied upon by Morocco, given his experience and leadership within the group, especially in the anticipated match against Brazilian star Vinicius Junior.